Hideo Kojima, the renowned creator of video games such as Metal Gear Solid y Death Stranding, has publicly defended the highly criticized movie Joker: Madness for Two, ensuring, to everyone's surprise, that its true importance will be appreciated in the future. Despite the opinions and the limited success at the box office, Kojima believes that the film is destined to become a work that will be revalued over time.
On his X account (formerly Twitter), Kojima has expressed his admiration for the film directed by Todd Phillips, pointing out how this sequel raises Deep questions about identity and duality of the protagonist, Arthur Fleck, and his alter ego, the Joker. According to the Japanese developer, this fundamental question about who he really is Arthur or the Joker This is probably what has generated polarized criticism among viewers and experts. Was it the Joker that captured audiences in the first film or was it Arthur? It is one of the questions that Kojima leaves in the air to the surprise of all his followers.
A misunderstood work?
For Kojima, one of the film's strengths is its ability to break with the conventions of traditional superhero movies, proposing a very different way of doing things. The Japanese director thus highlights the animated introduction that is reminiscent of the classics Looney Tunes, highlighting the metacinema of the scene that plays with the multiple identities of the Joker and Arthur. Kojima manages to buy this sequence with the style that characterizes contemporary films that explore the nature of villains, reflecting on whether Villains can also be heroes in a world full of productions that glorify heroes.
I watched “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The beginning of the film is an animated sequence, reminiscent of the nostalgic "Looney Tunes", depicting a story of Joker and Joker's shadow. In the trial that follows, the question of his multiple personality is argued from beginning to end. Es… pic.twitter.com/eEKRX4zPkD
- HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) November 3, 2024
It also suggests that we are living in a time of "mass production of poetic justice heroes» and that, in this context, Joker: Madness for Two could be ahead of its time. Although the audience did not immediately receive the film with enthusiasm, the Japanese creator believes that within 10 or 20 years, its cultural impact will be much more noticeable, especially as the stories of heroes and villains continue to evolve.
A film supported by big names
Kojima isn't the only one defending the film. Quentin Tarantino, another renowned filmmaker, has also praised Todd Phillips' work. Tarantino highlighted that the director of Joker He was not afraid to take risks, comparing his daring style with the character he directs. According to the director of Kill Bill: «Todd Phillips stars as the Joker, spending studio money to tell a story that is the complete opposite of what Hollywood expects.«. Tarantino also he highlighted the brilliant performances de Joaquin Phoenix y Lady Gaga, who he says have delivered some of the most memorable performances of his career.
Interestingly, Kojima also made an indirect comparison between this sequel and his reviews of other recent films such as Venom o madam web, Stating that Joker: Madness for Two is much deeper and more complex - although that wasn't too difficult either, by the way. Although some viewers consider the film a commercial failure, Kojima, as we say, is convinced that over time, it will become a cult work.
Time will tell, but both Kojima and Tarantino are clear about it: Joker: Madness for Two It is much more than a sequel and at some point the rest of the deadly we will eventually realize it.